ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Yifei Jianpi prescription on the of signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 1 （STAT1）/interferon regulatory factor 3 （IRF3） signaling pathway in a pneumonia model induced by lipopolysaccharide （LPS） and to explore the mechanism of Yifei Jianpi prescription in improving lung immune and inflammatory responses. MethodsSixty male SPF SD rats were used in this study. Ten rats were randomly assigned to the normal control group， and the remaining 50 were instilled with LPS in the trachea to establish a pneumonia model. After successful modeling， the rats were randomly divided into the model group， dexamethasone group （0.5 mg·kg^-1）， and Yifei Jianpi prescription high-dose （12 mg·kg^-1）， medium-dose （6 mg·kg^-1）， and low-dose （3 mg·kg^-1） groups， with 10 rats in each group. Treatment was administered once daily， and the normal control and model groups received the same volume of normal saline. After 14 days， flow cytometry was used to detect the classification of whole blood lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure serum levels of immunoglobulin G （IgG）， immunoglobulin A （IgA）， immunoglobulin M （IgM）， and the content of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-8 （IL-8）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and interleukin-10 （IL-10） in alveolar lavage fluid （BALF）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe lung tissue pathology and score the damage. Thymus weight， spleen weight， and wet-to-dry weight ratio （W/D） were recorded. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression of STAT1， IRF3， IL-6， and interferon-alpha （IFN-α） in lung tissues， while Western blot was performed to assess the protein expression of STAT1， IRF3， IL-6， and IFN-α. ResultsCompared with the normal control group， the model group showed significantly increased proportion of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood， decreased proportions of NK cells and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased serum levels of IgG and IgA， significantly increased IgM levels （P<0.01）， significantly elevated content of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-8 in BALF， and significantly decreased IL-10 levels （P<0.01）. Lung tissue damage was evident， with significant increases in thymus and spleen weights and a higher W/D ratio （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1， IRF3， IFN-α， and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly upregulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Yifei Jianpi prescription groups showed significantly reduced proportions of B lymphocytes in peripheral blood， increased proportions of NK cells and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratios （P<0.05， P<0.01）， significantly increased serum levels of IgG and IgA， significantly decreased IgM levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）， significantly reduced levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-8 in BALF， and significantly increased IL-10 levels （P<0.01）. Lung tissue damage was alleviated， thymus and spleen weights were significantly reduced， and the W/D ratio was markedly decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expression of STAT1， IRF3， IFN-α， and IL-6 in lung tissues was significantly downregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionYifei Jianpi prescription can alleviate lung tissue damage and improve immune and inflammatory responses in LPS-induced pneumonia rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of STAT1/IRF3 signaling pathway activation.

Stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining tissue regenerative capacity and homeostasis. However, mechanisms associated with stem cell senescence require further investigation. In this study, we conducted a proteomic analysis of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) obtained from individuals of various ages. Our findings showed that the expression of NUP62 was decreased in aged HDPSCs. We discovered that NUP62 alleviated senescence-associated phenotypes and enhanced differentiation potential both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, the knocking down of NUP62 expression aggravated the senescence-associated phenotypes and impaired the proliferation and migration capacity of HDPSCs. Through RNA-sequence and decoding the epigenomic landscapes remodeled induced by NUP62 overexpression, we found that NUP62 helps alleviate senescence in HDPSCs by enhancing the nuclear transport of the transcription factor E2F1. This, in turn, stimulates the transcription of the epigenetic enzyme NSD2. Finally, the overexpression of NUP62 influences the H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 modifications of anti-aging genes (HMGA1, HMGA2, and SIRT6). Our results demonstrated that NUP62 regulates the fate of HDPSCs via NSD2-dependent epigenetic reprogramming.
Humans ; Dental Pulp/cytology* ; Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/genetics* ; Cellular Senescence/genetics* ; Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Differentiation ; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; Cellular Reprogramming ; Cell Movement ; Proteomics

Objective To identify the risk factors and investigate etiological spectrum of pulmonary fungal infections(PFIs)in patients with end-stage liver disease(ESLD).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 211 ESLD patients.Based on pulmonary imaging,clinical manifestations,and microbiological test results,patients were categorized into three groups,including the PFI group(or the case group),the non-fungal pneumonia group(or the control group 1),and the group without pneumonia(or the control group 2).The clinical characteristics of patients in the the case group were then compared with those of patients in the two control groups.Taking patients without pneumonia as the control,univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for PFI,and a nomogram prediction model was constructed based on these risk factors.Results Among the 211 patients,76(36.1%)had PFIs,46(21.8%)had non-fungal pneumonia,and 89(42.2%)did not have pneumonia.According to findings from the multivariate logistic regression,elevated white blood cell count upon admission(OR=1.211;95%CI,1.011-1.460),higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium(MELD-Na)score(OR=1.140;95%CI,1.021-1.282),concomitant hepatorenal syndrome(OR=4.150;95%CI,1.050-17.300),cumulative glucocorticoid use for more than seven days(OR=26.832;95%CI,6.361-113.221),and the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics at the time of hospital admission(OR=6.601;95%CI,1.951-22.362)were identified as independent risk factors for PFI.A predictive nomogram model named TJLFPFI was constructed based on these risk factors.The area under the receiver operating characteristic(AUC)curve of the model was 0.899(95%CI,0.853-0.945).Etiologic analysis of the 76 PFI cases revealed that 36(47.4%)had positive results for culture,while 40(52.6%)had negative results for sputum culture but tested positive by the 1,3-β-D-glucan test and/or galactomannan test.Aspergillus was the most frequently identified pathogen,detected in 25 of the 36 cases(59.5%).Conclusion PFI in ESLD patients is closely associated with disease severity at admission,early use of broad-spectrum antibiotics,and prolonged glucocorticoid therapy.Aspergillus is the predominant pathogen.The TJLFPFI model shows potential value in identifying high-risk patients,but prospective validation is still warranted.

Background The occurrences of occupational stress and sleep disorders are closely related. As a high-risk group of occupational stress, the sleep quality of locomotive engineers is of great significance for road traffic safety. Objective To explore the direction and degree of occupational stress affecting the sleep quality among locomotive engineers, and to analyze potential mediating and moderating roles of response strategy and overcommitment in the relationship. Methods From July 1st to July 31st, 2022, a total of 6219 locomotive engineers from three locomotive depots of China Railway Lanzhou Group Corporation were selected. We conducted an online survey on occupational stress, overcommitment, response strategy and sleep quality using the Effort-Reward Imbalance, Personal Resources Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Single factor analysis and correlation analysis were conducted using SPSS 25.0 software, mediation and moderation models were constructed using the Process V3.3 macro program plugin, and Harman's single factor test was used for common method bias testing. Results A total of 6219 questionnaires were distributed, and 5738 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 92.27%. The average locomotive engineers' occupational stress score (1.22±0.29), overcommitment score (16.38±3.55), response strategy score (50.00±10.00), and sleep quality score (11.51±3.95) were calculated. The Pearson correlation analysis results showed that occupational stress was positively correlated with overcommitment and sleep quality (r=0.435, 0.321, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with response strategy (r=−0.286, P<0.01); overcommitment was positively correlated with sleep quality (r=0.367, P<0.01), and negatively correlated with response strategy (r=−0.210, P<0.01); there was a negative correlation between response strategy and sleep quality (r=−0.244, P<0.01). Occupational stress positively associated with sleep quality in locomotive engineers (b=3.658, t=21.177, P<0.001); response strategy exhibited a partial mediating role between occupational stress and sleep quality, with an effect size of 0.581, accounting for 15.88% of the total effect; overcommitment presented a significant moderating effect in the first half of the mediating process of "occupational stress-response strategy-sleep quality" (P<0.001). Conclusion Occupational stress has an impact on the sleep quality of locomotive engineers through the mediating effect of response strategy, and the first half of this mediating pathway is moderated by overcommitment.

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Qingjie Huagong decoction （QJHGD） on a mouse model of severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） and the mechanism of action of QJHGD against inflammatory response. MethodsA total of 36 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， Western medicine group （ulinastatin）， and low-， middle-， and high-dose QJHGD groups， with 6 mice in each group. All mice except those in the blank group were given 5% sodium taurocholate by retrograde pancreaticobiliary injection to establish a model of SAP. After modeling， the mice in the low-， middle-， and high-dose groups were given QJHGD （1， 2， and 4 g/kg， respectively） by gavage， and those in the Western medicine group were given intraperitoneal injection of ulinastatin （5×10⁴ U/kg）， for 7 days in total. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of the pancreas； ELISA was used to measure the levels of α-amylase， lipase， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-8 （IL-8）， interleukin-18 （IL-18）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in mice； RT-qPCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein3 （NLRP3）， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， and nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） in pancreatic tissue； immunohistochemistry was used to measure the positive expression rates of NLRP3， TLR4， and NF-κB in pancreatic tissue； Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of NLRP3， TLR4， NF-κB， IL-1β， and IL-6. An analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group had diffuse destruction of pancreatic tissue structure， focal dilatation of pancreatic lobular septum， pancreatic acinar atrophy， and massive inflammatory cell infiltration， as well as significant increases in the content of α-amylase， lipase， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， IL-18， and TNF-α （all P<0.05）， the mRNA expression levels and positive expression rates of NLRP3， TLR4， and NF-κB （all P<0.05）， and the protein expression levels of NLRP3， TLR4， NF-κB， IL-1β， and IL-6 （all P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the low-， middle-， and high-dose QJHGD groups and the Western medicine group had slightly tighter and more intact structure of pancreatic tissue， ordered arrangement of pancreatic acinar cells， a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration， and hemorrhagic foci of pancreatic lobules， as well as significant reductions in the content of α-amylase， lipase， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-8， IL-18， and TNF-α （all P<0.05）， the mRNA expression levels and positive expression rates of NLRP3， TLR4， and NF-κB （all P<0.05）， and the protein expression levels of NLRP3， TLR4， NF-κB， IL-1β， and IL-6 （all P<0.05）. ConclusionQJHGD may exert a protective effect on the pancreatic tissue of SAP mice by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins， reducing the release of inflammatory mediators， and preventing the enhancement of inflammatory cascade response.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of 5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavone(5-HDF),a compound extracted from Elsholtzia blanda Benth.,against lung injury induced by H1N1 influenza virus and explore its possible mechanism of action.Methods 5-HDF was extracted from Elsholtzia blanda Benth.using ethanol reflux extraction and silica gel chromatography and characterized using NMR and MS analyses.In an A549 cell model of H1N1 influenza virus infection(MOI=0.1),the cytotoxicity of 5-HDF was assessed using MTT assay,and its effect on TRAIL and IL-8 expressions was examined using flow cytometry;Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of inflammatory,apoptosis,and ferroptosis-related proteins.In a mouse model of H1N1 influenza virus infection established by nasal instillation of 50 μL H1N1 virus at the median lethal dose,the effects of 30 and 60 mg/kg 5-HDF by gavage on body weight,lung index,gross lung anatomy and lung histopathology were observed.Results 5-HDF exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in A549 cells within the concentration range of 0-200 μg/mL.In H1N1-infected A549 cells,treatment with 5-HDF effectively inhibited the activation of phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho-NF-κB p65,lowered the expressions of IL-8,enhanced the expression of anti-ferroptosis proteins(SLC7A11 and GPX4),and inhibited the expressions of apoptosis markers PARP and caspase-3 and the apoptotic factor TRAIL.In H1N1-infected mice,treatment with 5-HDF for 7 days significantly suppressed body weight loss and increment of lung index and obviously alleviated lung tissue pathologies.Conclusion 5-HDF offers protection against H1N1 influenza virus infection in mice possibly by suppressing H1N1-induced ferroptosis,inflammatory responses,and apoptosis via upregulating SLC7A11 and GPX4,inhibiting the activation of phospho-NF-κB p65 and phospho-p38 MAPK,and decreasing the expression of cleaved caspase3 and cleaved PARP.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of 5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavone(5-HDF),a compound extracted from Elsholtzia blanda Benth.,against lung injury induced by H1N1 influenza virus and explore its possible mechanism of action.Methods 5-HDF was extracted from Elsholtzia blanda Benth.using ethanol reflux extraction and silica gel chromatography and characterized using NMR and MS analyses.In an A549 cell model of H1N1 influenza virus infection(MOI=0.1),the cytotoxicity of 5-HDF was assessed using MTT assay,and its effect on TRAIL and IL-8 expressions was examined using flow cytometry;Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of inflammatory,apoptosis,and ferroptosis-related proteins.In a mouse model of H1N1 influenza virus infection established by nasal instillation of 50 μL H1N1 virus at the median lethal dose,the effects of 30 and 60 mg/kg 5-HDF by gavage on body weight,lung index,gross lung anatomy and lung histopathology were observed.Results 5-HDF exhibited no significant cytotoxicity in A549 cells within the concentration range of 0-200 μg/mL.In H1N1-infected A549 cells,treatment with 5-HDF effectively inhibited the activation of phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho-NF-κB p65,lowered the expressions of IL-8,enhanced the expression of anti-ferroptosis proteins(SLC7A11 and GPX4),and inhibited the expressions of apoptosis markers PARP and caspase-3 and the apoptotic factor TRAIL.In H1N1-infected mice,treatment with 5-HDF for 7 days significantly suppressed body weight loss and increment of lung index and obviously alleviated lung tissue pathologies.Conclusion 5-HDF offers protection against H1N1 influenza virus infection in mice possibly by suppressing H1N1-induced ferroptosis,inflammatory responses,and apoptosis via upregulating SLC7A11 and GPX4,inhibiting the activation of phospho-NF-κB p65 and phospho-p38 MAPK,and decreasing the expression of cleaved caspase3 and cleaved PARP.

Objective To investigate the effects of Yishen Jiangu Pills on the expressions of AMPK/Cyclin Y/CDK16 pathway and autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins in cartilage tissue of rats with knee osteoarthritis(KOA);To discuss its mechanism for the treatment of KOA.Methods Totally 60 2-month-old SD rats were selected and randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group,agonist group,and TCM low-,medium-and high-dosage groups,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the sham-operation group,each group underwent medial meniscectomy and cruciate ligamentotomy to establish the KOA rat model,and the corresponding interventions were given for 14 d.Lequesne MG score was used to evaluate rat behavior,morphology of cartilage tissue was observed by HE and Safranin O-fixed green staining,and Mankin score was performed,Western blot was performed to detect expression of AMPK/Cyclin Y/CDK16 pathway proteins and autophagy proteins such as ULK-1,Beclin-1,LC3B,p62 and apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2,Bax,Caspase-3,Caspase-9 in cartilage tissue,and autophagosome were observed using transmission electron microscopy.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,Lequesne MG score significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01),there was a significant defect in the surface layer of cartilage,thinning of the cartilage layer,disordered arrangement and irregular morphology of chondrocytes,and a significant increase in Mankin score(P<0.01),the expressions of AMPK,Cyclin Y,CDK16,ULK1,Beclin-1,LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ and Bcl-2 protein in cartilage tissue decreased,while the expressions of p62,Bax,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 protein increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the Lequesne MG scores of rats in the agonist group and TCM high-dosage group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),the TCM high-dosage group showed smoother cartilage surface,more regular arrangement of chondrocytes,basic integrity of cartilage layer structure,weakened cartilage tissue proliferation,and significantly decreased Mankin score(P<0.01),the expressions of AMPK,Cyclin Y,CDK16,ULK1,Beclin-1,LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ and Bcl-2 protein in cartilage tissue of rats in the agonist group and TCM medium-and high-dosage groups significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expressions of p62,Bax,Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 protein significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Yishen Jiangu Pills may promote chondrocyte autophagy and inhibit cell apoptosis by activating the AMPK/Cyclin Y/CDK16 pathway in cartilage tissue of KOA model rats,thus reduce cartilage damage.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a respiratory system disorder characterized by damage to alveolar epithelial cells,pathological proliferation and transformation of fibroblasts,excessive deposition of extracellular matrix,leading to structural damage and loss of function in lung tissues,with a high mortality rate and limited effective treatment methods.This article was based on the TCM understanding of"lung connecting to large intestine",namely the theory of"lung and the large intestine being interior-exterior related",and set the modern medical understanding of"lung connecting to large intestine",namely the theory of"gut-lung axis"as the key.Combining the TCM pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and the related mechanisms of"gut-lung axis"in pulmonary fibrosis,it preliminarily expounded the connotation of TCM regulating the"gut-lung axis"to treat pulmonary fibrosis,aiming to provide new ideas for clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis through the"gut-lung axis".

Objective To explore the effect of oxycodone hydrochloride on inflammation and neuro-nal apoptosis in epileptic rats through c-Jun amino terminal kinase(JNK)/p38 mitogen activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK)signaling pathway.Methods After epileptic rat model was success-fully constructed,72 epileptic rats were randomly divided into model group,low-,medium-and high-dose oxycodone hydrochloride groups(0.125,0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg),anisomycin(JNK activa-tor 5 mg/kg)and combined group(0.5 mg/kg oxycodone hydrochloride+5 mg/kg anisomycin),with 12 rats in each group.Another 12 healthy rats were selected as control group.In 24 h after the end of administration,the frequency and duration of seizures were recorded for all rats.ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6,HE staining was employed to observe the his-topathological changes in hippocampal CA1 region,and TUNEL staining was applied to detect the apoptosis of CA1 region neurons.The expression of JNK,p-JNK,p38 MAPK,p-p38 MAPK and Caspase-3 in hippocampal CA1 region was detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the rats from the control group,those of the model group showed higher frequency and longer du-ration of seizures,higher serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels,increased apoptotic rate of hippocampal CA1 neurons,and elevated p-JNK/JNK ratio,p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio and Caspase-3 expression(P＜0.05).While low-,medium-and high-dose oxycodone hydrochloride treatment re-versed above changes in frequency and duration of seizures,serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels,neuro-nal apoptosis,p-JNK/JNK ratio,p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio and Caspase-3 expression(P＜0.05).In the anisomycin group,higher frequency and longer duration of seizures,elevated serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels,increased neuronal apoptotic rate in hippocampal CA1 region,and en-hanced p-JNK/JNK ratio,p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio and Caspase-3 expression(P＜0.05).Lower frequency and shorter duration of seizures,decreased serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels,and re-duced neuronal apoptotic rate in hippocampal CA1 region were observed in the combined group than the anisomycin group(P＜0.05).The combined group obtained statistically lower p-JNK/JNK ratio,p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK ratio and Caspase-3 expression in hippocampal CA1 region than the high-dose group,and opposite results than the anisomycin group(0.89±0.12 vs 0.25± 0.05 vs 1.08±0.16,0.81±0.08 vs 0.21±0.04 vs 0.94±0.12,0.79±0.12 vs 0.26±0.04 vs 0.89± 0.14,P＜0.05).Conclusion Oxycodone hydrochloride can reduce inflammatory response,im-prove epileptic symptoms and pathological damages,and protect neurons in epileptic rats,which is related to the inhibition of JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.